Pneumococcal vaccination

What are pneumococci?

Pneumococcal disease is a collective term for infections caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. There are more than 90 different types of this bacterium. The infections can range from mild respiratory symptoms to serious conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning. You can also carry pneumococcus without getting sick. 

Children younger than 2 years and people older than 65 years are especially at increased risk of a severe course of the disease.

How do you get pneumococcus?

You can get pneumococcus from someone else. This is through saliva and snot. For example, like this:

• Someone with pneumococcus sneezes or coughs near you. You then inhale small droplets of saliva or snot through the air. This is how the pneumococci get into your nose, mouth, throat or lungs.
• Someone with pneumococci sneezes or coughs into their hands and then gives you a hand. If you touch your eyes, mouth or nose with that hand, the pneumococci enter your body.
• You kiss or hug someone with pneumococcus.

Vaccination

The pneumococcal vaccination protects against 20 types of the bacteria and helps the body produce antibodies, reducing the risk of a serious infection. The jab is especially important for young children under 2 years of age, adults aged 65 and over and people with weakened immune systems. For children, the vaccination is part of the basic vaccination schedule and free of charge. Adults aged between 65 and 80 can also take it free of charge under certain conditions.

Everyone turning 60 also receives an invitation from their GP for the pneumococcal shot, which is usually given in the autumn. One shot is often enough for long-term protection.